Closure, in particular plastic closure for a container

ABSTRACT

A closure, in particular a closure for plastic containers having a receiving region to receive a mouth section of the container, and having a piercing area which is suitable and intended to be pierced and penetrated by a piercing device in a predetermined piercing direction. The closure is of multi-part construction and has a main body which can be fastened to a mouth of the container as well as a closure body which is disposed on this main body and forms the piercing area, wherein the main body and the closure body differ at least with regard to their flexibility in a piercing direction.

The present invention relates to a closure (in particular a plasticclosure) and in particular a closure for a plastic container. Numerousclosures for containers are known from the prior art. These closuresmust meet the most varied requirements. Containers, in particular largecontainers which are emptied by being compressed so that the liquid isforced out of these containers, are also known from the prior art.

Closures are also known in particular for such containers, in particularalso pierceable closures which can be pierced by an extraction systemsuch as for example an extraction needle. In this case in the prior artfrom the applicant a one-piece closure is pierced by a hollow needle ina region specifically provided therefor in order then to allow thecontainer contents to flow out through this needle. For this purpose thecontainer is mechanically compressed, i.e. the container base and themouth are pushed towards one another. In this case the container wallrolls up. The base can in this case preferably be moved towards thestationary mouth of the container.

However, depending upon the expansion of the container due totemperature (and/or also dependent from the degree of carbonisation), adifferent head space volume is produced in the container and inparticular in the top region thereof. On the lower region or on the baseregion of the container respectively a container base can be producedwhich is deformed downwards to different extents. In addition theclosure can also bulge outwards more or less markedly depending upon theinternal pressure.

The state of the container is usually not monitored, the piercing needleis not movable and the compression path is not adjustable. Thusdepending upon the initial state a different and above all very largeresidual volume remains in the container.

A container emptying system according to the prior art from theapplicant usually regulates the emptying by means of the pressure in thecontainer. Lifting of a container cuts in when the internal pressure ofthe container drops and cuts out again as soon as a certain minimumpressure is reached again. If a large amount of gas under high pressureis present in the head space, the lifting is stopped shortly after thepiercing. In this case the piercing needle is still relatively far awayfrom the liquid surface. When the tap is opened first of all only gasescapes which is no longer available for residual emptying.

Therefore an object of the invention is to create a remedy for this,i.e. to prevent or at least to reduce an initial escape of gas.Furthermore—as mentioned above—as a consequence of the internal pressurewhich varies depending upon the temperature and degree of carbonisation,the container or the container base respectively moves out differentlydownwards and can be emptied by a piercing needle of defined length onlyat different heights (since the filling level also drops). Thus afurther object of the invention is also to improve the residual emptyingand in particular, for improved residual emptying, to adapt the distancefrom the container base and from the filling level (in the basic state).

Thus the problem can occur that at the high internal pressure theplastic closures according to the prior art bulge outwards veryconsiderably and as a result become leaky in the thread/on the sealinglips. However, the closures also cannot be designed to be extremelystable/hard since then the puncture point can no longer be punctured.Thus a further object of the invention is to improve the compressivestrength of such closures, wherein on the other hand a soft puncturepoint should preferably be retained.

These objects are achieved according to the invention by the subjects ofthe independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and furtherdevelopments form the subject matter of the subordinate claims.

A closure according to the invention and in particular a closure forplastic containers has a receiving region to receive a mouth section ofthe plastic container. Furthermore the closure has a piercing area whichis suitable and intended to be pierced and penetrated by a piercingdevice in a predetermined direction.

According to the invention the closure is of multi-part construction andhas a main body which can be fastened to a mouth of the container aswell as a closure body which is disposed on this main body and forms thepiercing area, wherein the main body and the closure body differ atleast with regard to their flexibility with regard to a piercingdirection.

Thus the closure is preferably a multi-part closure. This has, in theform of the main body, an overcap which is in particular stable andwhich can be disposed—in particular by means of a thread—on the(plastic) container and which is responsible for absorbing the internalpressure with the lowest possible self-deformation. In this case theclosure body is preferably an internal element which particularlypreferably is made of a softer material than the main body and which onthe other hand, however, is preferably supported by the main body andpreferably only fulfils the sealing function on the mouth of thecontainer (internally and/or externally and/or on the upper rim of themouth). In addition this closure body preferably also provides thelikewise soft, resilient and also clinging puncture area for thepiercing needle.

Due to this embodiment in two parts, on the one hand a high stabilitycan be achieved, but on the other hand the required softness of thematerial can also be achieved in the necessary regions. Therefore themain body and the closure body preferably differ at least with regard tothe material from which they are manufactured. The main body and theclosure body preferably differ at least in a physical characteristicwhich influences the flexibility of these elements. Such acharacteristic may be not only the material but also the thickness ofthis material. In addition it would also be conceivable that the mainbody and the closure body are manufactured from the same basic materialand the material of the main body has additional components forreinforcement.

In a preferred embodiment the (plastic) closure has a ducting devicewhich adjoins the piercing area. In this case the ducting device can beinjection moulded onto the sealing region or can be constructed as afurther part. Thus for example this ducting device can be disposed as athird component or element and in particular as a tubular extensiondisposed on the closure. This ducting may for example be a riser orsuction tube which is disposed on the inner face of the closure, i.e. inthe state in which it is disposed on the container it extends into theinterior of the container and preferably can also change in length.

The ducting device can preferably be shortened and/or at least adistance (defined in the longitudinal direction of the container)between a start section disposed on the closure body and an end sectionvia which the liquid to be extracted enters the ducting device can bechanged, and can in particular be changed under the action of a force onthis end section.

In other words in a further advantageous embodiment the ducting devicehas a start section which adjoins a piercing area, as well as an endsection via which the liquid can enter the ducting device, wherein adistance between the start section and the end section can be changed.Due to this changeability the length of the ducting device can also beshortened for instance when the base is in contact with the container.

This flexibility can be achieved in a different way. The ducting deviceis preferably bendable and/or telescopic and/or pleatable. Due to thisbendability for example the end or an end section respectively can bebent relative to the start section and thus its position can be changed.In a telescopic variant it is possible for the ducting device to haveseveral segments which are movable with respect to one another and thusare telescopic. In a pleatable embodiment it would be possible for theducting device to have a pleated region which for example can beshortened or lengthened by a plurality of zigzag pleats. This pleatableregion can be configured in such a way that the ducting device alwaysextends precisely in the longitudinal direction and thus does not changethe direction. In addition the ducting device can also have a slot,wherein a longitudinal weak point/tear line extends as far as an end ofthe ducting device and thus two components of the ducting device can beflipped opened to a certain extent.

In a further advantageous embodiment the main body and the closure bodyare manufactured from different materials. The material of the main bodyis preferably selected from a group of materials which have a highmodulus of elasticity. In a preferred embodiment PP is used for the mainbody. The closure body is preferably made of a material which on the onehand has a lower modulus of elasticity and/or due to the direct contactwith the content of the containers is food safe. PE is preferably usedas the material for the closure body. However, the different stabilitiesof the respective materials can also result from different materialthicknesses.

In a further advantageous embodiment the main body has a thread and inparticular an internal thread. Thus by means of this internal thread themain body can be screwed onto an external thread of a container and thuscan be locked.

In a further advantageous embodiment the closure body has an annularcontact segment which bears against the main body. This annular contactsegment preferably completely surrounds the piercing area.

Advantageously the closure body is constructed within the main body.Thus it is possible for the main body to form a hollow space, which isfor example cylindrical, inside which the closure body is also disposedand inside which preferably a mouth region of the container can also beaccommodated.

In a closed state of the container the closure body preferably bearsagainst both the main body and also an (upper) rim of the mouth of thecontainer and is preferably gripped between this upper rim of the mouthof the container and the main body. A radial width of the closure bodyis preferably greater than a radial width of a rim of the mouth of thecontainer which is to be closed, wherein particularly preferably thisrim of the mouth of the container is completely covered by the closurebody. In this way the closure body is suitable for completely sealingthe mouth of the container. Therefore the closure body could also bedesignated as a sealing element.

In a further advantageous embodiment it is possible for the closure bodyto be fitted onto the main body or for the main body and the closurebody to be fitted on one another respectively. Alternatively both partscould also be attached one after the other to the container and onlyform the functional closure thereon (with or without reciprocal snappingin).

In a further advantageous embodiment the main body has a first annularprojection also extending at least in the piercing direction, and theclosure body has a second annular projection also extending at least inthe piercing direction, wherein in a state in which the closure body isdisposed on the main body the first projection and the second projectionbear against one another.

Due to this preferably flat contact a cohesion can be achieved betweenthe main body and the closure body. These two projections advantageouslybear against one another along a cylindrical area or wall or afrustoconical area or wall. These two projections are preferablydisposed adjacent to one another in a radial direction of the closure,i.e. an annular body surrounds the second annular body in a ring. Inaddition it would also be possible for the projections to extendobliquely with respect to the piercing direction. The said piercingdirection is preferably also a longitudinal direction of the container.

In a further advantageous embodiment the closure body has a thirdprojection also extending at least in the piercing direction. In thiscase the annular body of the main body is preferably disposed and inparticular gripped between the two projections of the closure body. Inother words the first projection is disposed between the secondprojection and the third projection. However it would also be possiblefor two projections, between which a projection of the closure body canengage, to be disposed on the main body.

The main body and the closure body are advantageously connected to oneanother friction locked and/or by positive locking by these describedprojections. In a further advantageous embodiment the closure body alsohas a circumferential sealing lip which extends at least partially alsoin the longitudinal direction of the container and which in a closedstate of the container preferably rests on an inner wall of a mouth ofthe container. In this case the sealing lip is preferably constructed inone piece with the closure body. Alternatively the closure can also havetwo sealing lips, one for inside, one for outside on the mouth.

In a further advantageous embodiment the plastic closure has a lockingmeans which in at least one position of the piercing device with respectto the plastic closure prevents a relative movement of the piercingdevice relative to the plastic closure in a predetermined direction ofmovement and in particular in a direction counter to the piercingdirection (i.e. a backward movement).

As a result of this configuration, due for example to a counter-pressureinside the container the piercing device cannot be pressed out of thecontainer again. Depending upon the pressure and temperature a more orless marked buckling can occur in the piercing area. This in turn is dueto the fact that when the closure is broached and punctured differentconditions can prevail and also these different conditions or parameterscan lead to leaks. During the piercing the internal pressure and thisbuckling of the closure changes where appropriate, in particular thisinternal pressure initially decreases. In this way it can occur that thepiercing device, for example the piercing needle, is drawn out again tosome extent from the container.

Also in this preferred embodiment the above-mentioned closure bodypreferably has sealing lips for sealing the mouth of the container aswell as the puncture area or the piercing area respectively alsomentioned above which here too can preferably also cling resiliently tothe piercing device.

In a further advantageous embodiment the aforementioned locking means isconstructed on the main body. Thus for example the locking means can beconstructed as an annular section which surrounds the piercing deviceand particularly preferably can be engaged by at least one projection ofthe piercing device. Thus for example the piercing device can have acircumferential sawtooth-like projection which can engage behind thesaid locking means on the main body. Since the main body is ofrelatively stable design, in this way a withdrawal or pushing back ofthe piercing device can be prevented and thus the described locking canbe achieved.

Thus advantageously the locking means is constructed as a latching ringand in particular as a sharp inner edge of a (preferably in the middleor centrally respectively disposed) opening of the main body. Thepiercing device can interlock with barbs on this latching ring. Thus, asmentioned above, it is no longer possible for the piercing device to bepulled out or to escape respectively during the emptying process.

The present invention is therefore also directed to a closure of thetype designated above in conjunction with a piercing device. In thiscase the closure preferably has a locking means which prevents arelative movement of the piercing device with respect to the closure ina predetermined direction of movement. It is pointed out that thelocking means described here can also be claimed independently of theinvention described above and in particular also independently ofwhether the closure is designed in two parts.

The applicant therefore reserves the right to claim protection for aclosure for containers which has a piercing area for a piercing deviceto pass through as well as a locking means which after the insertion ofthe piercing device prevents a backward movement of the piercing devicerelative to the closure. For this purpose the main body can for examplehave a piercing area with a smaller material thickness which iscorrespondingly softer or more flexible respectively than the rest ofthe main body. In particular in this embodiment a further locking meansor a hooking means respectively is provided on the piercing deviceitself.

This hooking means can be constructed, as mentioned above, as acircumferential projection and in particular as an encircling projectionwhich can engage behind the locking means of the closure. Such acircumferential projection on the piercing device advantageously widensin the longitudinal direction of this piercing device and in particularcounter to the longitudinal direction of the piercing direction.

The device or the container closure respectively, preferably has aguiding device for guiding the piercing device. This guiding device canbe disposed in the interior of the closed container and can extend therein particular in the longitudinal direction of the piercing direction.The guiding device is preferably designed as a channel-like body throughwhich the piercing device can be inserted. In this case an internalcross-section of the guiding device is preferably adapted to an externalcross-section of the piercing device.

This guiding device is preferably formed on the closure body. Theguiding device is preferably at least slightly distanced from thepiercing area. This guiding device can increase the stability of thepiercing device relative the closure. In the piercing direction thisguiding device preferably has a length of at least 3 mm, preferably atleast 5 mm, preferably at least 1 cm and particularly preferably atleast 1.5 cm. With the piercing device inserted, this guiding device canalso bear circumferentially against the piercing device.

In a further advantageous embodiment the piercing device itself isconstructed in multiple parts and in particular in two parts. Thepiercing device is preferably constructed at least in two parts andparticularly preferably in such a way that, when the piercing device ispulled off, a part or section respectively, in particular the lower partof the piercing device, remains on or in the closure respectively and sofurther use or reuse of the piercing device or of the closurerespectively is not possible.

Improved tightness on the sealing lips and also more uniform geometricconditions in the piercing area can be achieved by the latching means orthe locking means respectively described here. In particular the hookingprevents any possibility of movement of the piercing device or needlerespectively out of the container, and thus leaks during the emptyingprocess can be prevented. Quality assurance can be achieved byprevention of further use and reuse of hygiene-related parts due to thetearing off or the two-part construction respectively of the piercingdevice. It would also be possible for the piercing device to have apredetermined tearing or breaking point respectively, so that after theemptying process, as mentioned above, a part of the piercing deviceremains on the closure.

In order to achieve this two-part format of the piercing device it wouldfor example be possible that a part or section respectively of thepiercing device has a receiving section or a recess respectively intowhich a projection of the other part or section respectively of thepiercing device can in turn be inserted. In this case by correspondingsealing means it can be ensured that the medium to be extracted, forexample beer, can be passed through both parts of the piercing device.

Thus for example the part of the piercing device which is inserted intothe other part could have circumferential sealing means such as forexample O-rings which effect a corresponding sealing. Furthermore itwould also be possible that one of the two parts or sectionsrespectively of the piercing device has—in particular at least partiallycircumferential—projections which can preferably engage in correspondingrecesses in the other part so that a certain stability can be achieved.

By a corresponding choice of the materials involved it is possible todetermine which forces result in a separation of the two parts of thepiercing device. In a further advantageous embodiment it would bepossible that the piercing device is distinct in such a way that theonly part which comes in contact with the container or with thecontainer closure respectively is the part which is intended to remainon the closure after the respective other part has been pulled off. Inaddition it would also be possible for a part of the piercing device tobe led completely into the closure and also for the other part to beadditionally secured with a securing means disposed for example on theclosure.

Furthermore the present invention is therefore directed to a taparrangement for extraction of liquids from containers which has acontainer with a container closure disposed thereon, as well as apiercing device which can be introduced into the closure, wherein theclosure has the above-mentioned locking means which prevents withdrawalat least of the complete piercing device, in particular during anextraction operation for extraction of liquid from the container.

In further advantageous embodiments the above-mentioned piercing area isdisposed at least in sections above an external surface of the mainbody. In this connection reference is made in particular to an uprightcontainer on which the closure is disposed. In contrast to theembodiments described above, the piercing area here can be locatedhigher than the surface of the main body. In other words the piercingarea can project at least slightly relative to an area of the main bodysurrounding the piercing area. Thus it is possible that the piercingarea extends above a plane formed by the main body. However it wouldalso be possible that the main body itself is of funnel-shapedconstruction and the piercing area projects at least slightly out ofthis funnel-shaped section.

In addition it is pointed out that this embodiment would also beconceivable for a closure in one piece. Thus here too the piercing areacould again be made of a thinner material and could be constructed sothat it projects or protrudes respectively relative to other areas ofthe closure.

The applicant therefore also reserves the right to claim protection fora closure which in particular has at least partially different materialthicknesses and/or strengths, wherein here too a piercing area is offsetoutwards relative to other areas of the closure.

The containers described here are usually filled with beers or beer-likebeverages. After filling, the container is compressed in a definedmanner before being closed, in order to generate a head of foam at themouth outlet. This should ensure that the least possible head space isfilled with oxygen. In this case, however, liquid can slop over and runonto the container. Also in the actual filling operation there is apossibility or a danger respectively that filling material will get ontothe container.

For this reason following closure and before packaging the containersare washed down, that is to say the container undergoes a type ofshower, usually with water, in order to free it of residues of fillingmaterial. However, the currently used closures are constructed in such away that the piercing area or a piercing membrane respectively arelocated in a depression in the closure. This region is also not coveredby an overcap. It may sometimes occur that in this region or thisdepression respectively liquid accumulates which can no longer run offby itself. However, liquid also collects on the overcap because thisovercap may slope obliquely inwards. This accumulation of liquid can,however, form a nutrient medium for bacteria and moulds and the like.

Other contaminants can also settle in this piercing area and cannot beremoved without further action. Furthermore this effect is enhanced dueto the fact that packaging can be provided for the containers. A filmwhich makes it difficult for the excess liquid to dry out is grippedover the closure. In this way through the piercing operationcontaminants can then enter the beverage and can even give rise tohealth complaints.

Therefore in the embodiment described here it is proposed that thepiercing area projects with respect to the main body of the container.In other words the piercing area is constructed so that this or thepiercing membrane respectively is not located in the “interior” of theclosure but completely outside.

In particular, as mentioned above, this is a two-part closure which hasa main body and a closure body, wherein this closure body prevents anaccumulation of liquids and contaminants etc.

As mentioned here, the closure body or the inlay respectively has ashoulder to which the main body preferably clings and thus additionallyseals the region into the interior. Thus the piercing area is preferablylocated in each case somewhat higher than the highest edge of the mainbody. In this way it is ensured that in any case the piercing area isnot covered by liquids. The piercing area is preferably also curvedoutwards, so that liquids can run off.

In a preferred embodiment the external surface of the main body can alsobe curved outwards and/or inwards in a funnel shape. The piercing areacan project out of this funnel-shaped area.

In a further advantageous embodiment the main body has an opening whichis suitable and intended for the piercing device to pass through, and atleast a portion of the closure body extends through this opening.

Thus in this preferred embodiment the main body or the overcaprespectively in particular has a recess in the centre thereof throughwhich the closure body is passed. In this case the innermost region ofthis closure body can preferably be designed as a very thin sealing lipwhich clings to the closure body and thus additionally seals. In orderto achieve an even better sealing result, the diameter of this sealinglip can also be correspondingly smaller than the external diameter ofthe shoulder of the closure body. In this way an accumulation ofliquids, bacteria, moulds and contaminants in the piercing area can beprevented. In this way the hygiene of the containers can be increasedand also a health risk can be reduced.

In particular the section of the closure body is a connecting sectionwhich connects the piercing area to other sections located in particularinside the main body. This section can be designed as a substantiallycylindrical region which extends through said opening in the main body.In this case this region can preferably also taper slightly against thepiercing direction.

Furthermore this transition section can have a collar or circumferentialprojection respectively. This projection can bear against a section ofthe main body, in particular in a sealing and/or circumferential manner.Thus a sealing region can also be provided between the main body and theclosure body.

The closure is preferably of rotationally symmetrical construction andis particularly preferably of circular construction. The main bodyand/or the closure body in each case are preferably of rotationallysymmetrical and/or circular construction.

Furthermore the present invention is directed to a plastic containerwith a (plastic) closure of the type described above which is disposedthereon, wherein the plastic container being compressible in itslongitudinal direction in order by such compression to force liquidlocated in the plastic container out of the container.

The container is preferably pleatable and particularly preferably amouth section of the container can be introduced into the main body. Inthis case the container can be pleatable in particular along acircumferential pleat edge.

In a further advantageous embodiment the closure has a reinforcingdevice which is disposed offset with respect to the piercing area in thepiercing direction and is suitable for increasing the force actingthrough the piercing area against the piercing device during thepiercing operation. This device can be disposed for example in thesealing body or closure body respectively.

Further advantages and embodiments are apparent from the appendeddrawings.

In the drawings:

FIGS. 1a-1c show three representations of a container according to theprior art;

FIG. 2 shows a representation of a container with a closure according tothe invention in a first embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows the container according to FIG. 2 in a different condition,i.e. in a different position;

FIG. 4 shows a first representation of a closure according to theinvention;

FIG. 5 shows a representation of a main body of a closure according tothe invention;

FIG. 6 shows a representation of a closure body for a closure accordingto the invention;

FIG. 7 shows a further representation of a closure according to theinvention in a further embodiment;

FIGS. 8a, 8b show two schematic representations of the closure shown inFIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows a representation of a further embodiment of a closureaccording to the invention;

FIGS. 10a-10c show three representations of the closure according toFIG. 9 in different embodiments;

FIG. 11 shows a further embodiment of a closure according to theinvention;

FIGS. 12a, 12b show two representations of the closure in differentpositions;

FIG. 13 shows a further configuration of a closure according to theinvention;

FIGS. 14a-14b show two representations of the closure according to FIG.13 in different operating positions;

FIG. 15 shows a further embodiment of the present invention with lockingmeans on the closure;

FIG. 16 shows a representation according to FIG. 15 with a piercingdevice inserted in the closure;

FIG. 17 shows a further embodiment of the invention with a two-partpiercing device;

FIG. 18 shows the representation according to FIG. 17 in which a part ofthe piercing device has been removed;

FIGS. 19a, 19b show a further embodiment of a closure according to theinvention;

FIGS. 20a-20c show representations of a closure body for the closureshown in FIGS. 19a , 19 b;

FIGS. 21a, 21b show two representations of a main body of the closureshown in FIG. 19; and

FIGS. 22a-22c show three sectional representations of a correspondingclosure.

FIG. 1a shows a container 10 with a closure 101 according to the priorart. This closure is—as is known in principle—screwed onto the mouth ofthe container. At the same time this closure has a piercing area intowhich a piercing needle 120 can be introduced. The container 10 can becompressed along its longitudinal direction L. In this way the liquidcan be pressed out of the container through the needle.

FIG. 1b shows a state in which the container is almost completelycompressed. It will be recognised that here a large part of residualliquid is not accessible by the needle or the suction tube respectively.More precisely, some of the container contents remain as a consequenceof the relatively short needle height below the needle opening. If—asshown here (FIG. 1b )—the container base buckles downwards due to therising internal pressure, even more liquid actually remains in thecontainer (cf. FIG. 1c ) and cannot be extracted.

FIG. 2 shows a first schematic representation of a container with aclosure according to the invention. It will be recognised that thisclosure has a main body 4 which is screwed on a mouth 10 a of thecontainer 10 by means of an internal thread. However, it would also bepossible for the closure to be fastened on the container in some otherway. Thus it could for example be clipped on the mouth or can be snappedon there.

A closure body 6, which also forms the piercing area 2 through which thepiercing needle 120 of a tapping tool can be introduced, is also in turnformed on this main body. The ducting device designated by 8 adjoinsthis closure body 6 and then protrudes into the interior of thecontainer. This ducting device 8 has a pleatable region 82 (cf. FIG.13), wherein FIG. 3 shows an initial state in which the region 82 is notpleated and FIG. 2 shows a state in which the region 82 is pleated. Thusthe ducting device always has an excess length and thus reaches as faras the base regardless of the distance to the base. In particular thelength of the ducting device 82 is chosen such that it always dips intothe surface of the liquid or is just above it (in the non-compressed orfilled+closed state of the container respectively→filling level).

The reference numerals 8 a and 8 b relate to start or end sectionsrespectively of the ducting device. In this case the liquid passes viathe end section 8 b into the ducting device. Thus the end section isunderstood below to be the section of the ducting device from which theliquid is completely surrounded by the material of the ducting device ina circumferential direction which is perpendicular to the flow directionof the liquid.

FIG. 3 shows—as mentioned—a state shortly before the ducting device ispleated in the region 82. The reference numeral L relates to alongitudinal direction of the ducting device which coincides with thelongitudinal direction of the container and also with the directionalong which the container is compressed.

FIG. 4 shows a representation of a plastic closure in detail. In thiscase in turn the main body 4 is shown which is screwed on the externalthread of the container by means of the internal thread 48. Furthermorethis main body 4 has a circumferential projection or web 44 respectivelywhich projects downwards here in the longitudinal direction L. Thisprojection or web respectively in turn engages between twocorrespondingly upwardly protruding projections or webs 64 and 66respectively of the closure body 6. In this way the closure body 6 canbe held on the main body 4. The reference numeral 68 designates a curvedregion which, in a state in which it is screwed onto the container,likewise protrudes at least slightly into the container through themouth. In the case of a high pressure load this region 68 counteractsagainst the internal pressure and prevents buckling outwards.

As an alternative for latching of the two parts to the circumferentialprojection 44 with the webs 64 and or 66, the closure body can alsolatch with its external diameter in a small annular groove providedtherefor in the main body.

The reference numeral 72 relates to a circumferential projection or asealing lip respectively which is likewise disposed on the closure body6. The reference numeral 74 (FIG. 6) relates to a further annularprojection which is disposed radially outside the sealing lip. In aclosed state of the container this further annular projection islikewise located on an external circumference of one end of the mouth ofthe container. In this way preferably the upper end (i.e. in particulara region located above the thread) of the rim of the mouth of thecontainer is contacted and sealed exclusively by the closure body.

However, the main body advantageously causes the circumferentialprojection to be pressed radially from the exterior onto the rim of themouth of the container.

FIG. 5 shows a representation of the main body 4. Again the internalthread 48 as well as the circumferential projection 44 can also be seenhere. As mentioned above, the material of this main body is chosen to berelatively rigid, so that in particular it does not deform even under ahigher internal pressure of the container. Thus the main body 4 is astable overcap having a thread which is also responsible for absorbingthe internal pressure with the lowest possible self-deformation.Furthermore the base area (above) of the main body extends obliquelyinwards. This likewise counteracts the internal pressure.

FIG. 6 shows a detailed representation of the closure body 6. Here toothe two circumferential projections 64 and 66 are again shown, and itcan be seen that the radially inner projection 66 is shorter than theradially outer projection 64. Furthermore webs 63 can be seen whichconnect the projection 64 to a circumferential annular body 67. In thiscase these webs serve for stabilisation. The reference numeral 62designates an annular positioning segment with which the closure body ispositioned on the main body and in a closed state is clamped between themain body and a mouth of the containers. The reference numeral 2designates in turn the piercing area through which the lance or piercingneedle respectively can be introduced into the container.

The following FIGS. 7 to 14 show different embodiments of the ductingdevice. The closure cap, i.e. the main body 4 and the closure body 6 canin each case be designed in the same way as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, sothat they are not addressed specifically.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 the ducting device 8 is constructedtelescopically, i.e. it has a first section 86 as well as a secondsection 88, wherein the second section 88 is movable in the direction Lrelative to the first section 86. In this way the ducting device 8 canlikewise be shortened upon impact with the base of the container.Accordingly FIGS. 8a and 8b show quite schematically two differentstates of the ducting device. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7the second section 88 is disposed outside the first section 86. However,it would also be conceivable for the second section to be disposedand/or to slide inside the first section 86.

FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of the ducting device 8. In thisembodiment the ducting device 8 can be movably constructed in itsentirety and thus can move away in each case—as shown in FIGS. 10a, 10band 10c . In this case FIG. 10a shows a normal state of the ductingdevice, i.e. before the ducting device impacts on the base of thecontainer. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10b the lower part of theducting device bends away, so that although in this way the ductingdevice still bears against the base of the container, but it also doesnot hinder the compression of the container. FIG. 10c shows the view ofthe deformed ducting device of FIG. 10b from the left.

Alternatively the ducting device 8 (in particular oval) in the originalstate as shown in FIG. 10b could already be slightly pre-bent in thelower region in order to be bent reliably to the side during theemptying process and not to be undefined compressed or buckled byjamming on the container base.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11 the ducting device 8 has alongitudinal weak point/tear line 94. This slot 94 extends into the endsection of the ducting device 8 or into a recess 96 respectively.However, this weak point or tear line respectively should not extendcompletely as far as the start region of the ducting device, sinceotherwise it could completely tear prematurely and this could in turnlead to an escape of head space gas.

FIG. 12a shows a situation in which the ducting device 8 still has itsfull length, for example just before it strikes the base of thecontainer.

In the situation illustrated in FIG. 12b the ducting device splits incontact with the base and thus also a further compression of thecontainer is possible as well as nevertheless contacting of therespective lower end or inlet respectively of the ducting device on thebase or a region of the base respectively.

FIG. 13 as well as 14 a and 14 b again show the application of a ductingdevice in the form of a folding bellows. In this case FIG. 13a againshows the entire closure 1, as explained above, with the ducting device8 and the reference numeral 82 designates the folding bellows region.

FIGS. 14a and 14b show two different positions of the ducting device orof the folding bellows respectively, wherein in the representation shownin FIG. 14b the length is reduced for example by the impact on thecontainer base.

FIG. 15 shows a further embodiment of the device according to theinvention. In this embodiment the closure has a locking means 52 whichserves, when a piercing device 120 is inserted into the closure or intothe container respectively, to prevent withdrawal of the piercingdevice. This locking means 52 is constructed here as a circumferential,in particular, angular edge which is disposed on the main body 4. Thisedge 52 is surrounded by a likewise circumferential projection 122disposed on the piercing device 120. It will be recognised that thisprojection 122 has a lead-in chamfer in order to be able to be pushedbriefly over the edge 52 (into the container).

FIG. 16 shows a representation in which the piercing device 120 isinserted into the container. Here again the circumferential projection122 can also be seen which is disposed on the piercing device. It willbe recognised that this projection bears on the locking means 52 thusnow the piercing device can no longer be withdrawn from the container.

FIG. 17 shows a further embodiment of the device according to theinvention. In this embodiment the piercing device is formed in twoparts, and has an upper section 120 a as well as a lower section 120 b.The circumferential projection 122 is here disposed on the section 120b. The part-section 120 a has a projection or an end piece 128respectively which can be inserted into a recess 126 formed in thesection 120.

FIG. 18 shows a representation in which the piercing device 120 hasagain been removed from the container. It will be seen that here thefirst section 120 a has been withdrawn and the second section 120 bremains in the container since it is still held by the locking means 52.

The reference numeral 138 designates sealing means which are disposed onthe first section 120 and can for example be constructed as O-rings.Furthermore, however, it would also be possible for a further fasteningmeans to be provided which fastens the two sections 120 a and 120 b toone another. Thus for example on the region or end piece 128respectively a circumferential projection (not shown) is provided whichengages in a corresponding recess (not shown) in the second part-section120 b. In this case this projection and this recess could be adapted toone another in such a way that although a certain hold is made possiblehowever, it is not such a strong hold as implemented by the lockingmeans 52. In this way although the piercing device 120 can hold togetherduring the tapping process, on the other hand nevertheless it is ensuredthat when the upper section 120 a is pulled off the lower section 120 bremains in the container.

FIGS. 19a and 19b show two further representations of a closure 1 in afurther embodiment. In this case FIG. 19a shows a view from above. Thisagain shows the main body 4 and the piercing area 2 which projects outof the main body 4. For this purpose the closure body has a connectingsection 132 which connects the piercing area 2 (which is likewise acomponent of the closure body) to the structural section 68 (not shownin FIG. 19a , cf. FIG. 20b ) of the closure body. This connectingsection 132 protrudes through an opening formed in the main body 4. Inthis way in the case of upright containers the piercing area is locatedsomewhat higher than the surface of the main body.

This connecting section 132, which extends through said opening in themain body 4, can likewise be seen in FIG. 19 b.

FIGS. 20a to 20c show three representations of the closure body 6. Thisclosure body 6 is similar to the closure body also shown for instance inFIG. 6, for example with regard to the webs 63 as well as thecircumferential annular body 62. However, the crucial modification isthe arrangement of the piercing area 2. This is disposed by means of theconnecting section 132 and a further connecting section 134 on the basesection of the closure body 6. Likewise the connecting section 132 aswell as the further connecting section 134 can be seen in FIG. 20b . InFIG. 20c it can be seen that the connecting section 132 which extendsthrough the opening of the main body has a somewhat smallercross-section or circumference respectively than the further connectingsection 134. Between these two connecting sections 132 and 134 a step133 is formed which ultimately serves for support or sealingrespectively on the main body. In addition the projections or sealinglips 72, 74 already explained above are also illustrated again in FIG.20 c.

It will be recognised that a plane which is formed by the edges of thewebs 63 extends here in a funnel shape around the centre. However, thepiercing area projects out of this plane. Specifically, the piercingarea also projects beyond all other regions of the closure body and inparticular also beyond the edge 62.

The piercing area 2 is preferably (with the container upright)vertically spaced from the main body by between 0.5 mm and 5 cm,preferably between 1 mm and 4 cm and particularly preferably between 2mm and 3 cm.

FIGS. 21a and 21b show two representations of the main body from aboveand below. A circumferential wall 142 can be seen here on which, in anassembled state, the connecting section 134 can rest. The referencenumeral 146 designates the opening of the main body through which theconnecting section 132 (and the piercing area 2) is pushed. The wall142, which again is likewise annular, is illustrated in therepresentation shown in FIG. 21b . This wall section 142 also serves asa guide and/or support for the piercing device 120.

FIG. 22a shows a sectional representation of the main body 6. Here tooit is again possible to see the opening 146 and also the annular section142 and the internal thread 48. The annular body or wall section 142respectively widens slightly downwards here. In the representation shownin FIG. 22b the main body 4 and the closure body 6 are disposed to oneanother. In order to simplify understanding, the reference numeralsshown to the right of the broken line relate to the closure body 6 andthe reference numerals disposed on the left side relate to the main body4. It will be seen that the main body 4 not only has the annular section142 explained above, but also a projection or sealing projection 144respectively which likewise extends circumferential. This projectionrests on the step 133 which is formed between the connecting section 132and the connecting section 134, so that in this way sealing can beachieved. The reference numeral 136 designates a recess which islikewise annular and in which in the assembled state the annularprojection 142 of the main body 4 engages.

Finally, FIG. 22c shows a representation in which a piercing device 120is also inserted into the closure. In this case it can be seen that thepiercing device has pierced the piercing area 2. In the representationsshown in FIGS. 22a to 22c it can also be seen that the main body has asection 148 on which the circumferential projection 142 is disposed, andthis section 148 extends conically inwards here. Nevertheless, with thecontainer upright, the piercing area 2 is disposed above a surface or anexternal surface 148 a respectively of the main body 4.

The applicant reserves the right to claim all the features disclosed inthe application documents as essential to the invention in so far asthey are individually or in combination novel over the prior art.Furthermore it is pointed out that in the individual drawings featureswere also described which may be advantageous per se. The person skilledin the art recognises immediately that a specific feature described in adrawing may also be advantageous without the incorporation of furtherfeatures from this drawing. Furthermore the person skilled in the artrecognises that advantages may also result from a combination of severalfeatures shown in individual drawings or in different drawings.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

-   1 closure-   2 piercing area-   4 main body-   6 closure body-   8 ducting device-   8 a start section of the ducting device 8-   8 b end section of the ducting device 8-   10 container-   10 a mouth of the container-   44 projection-   48 internal thread-   52 locking means-   62 annular positioning segment-   63 webs-   64, 66 circumferential projections-   67 circumferential annular body-   68 curved region-   72 projection, sealing lip-   74 further annular projection-   82 pleatable region of the ducting device-   86 first section of the ducting device 8-   88 second section of the ducting device 8-   92 lower section of the ducting device 8-   94 slot-   96 recess-   101 closure (prior art)-   120 piercing device-   120 a,b (separable) sections of the piercing device-   122 projection-   126 recess-   128 end piece-   132 connecting section-   133 step between connecting sections-   134 connecting section-   136 (annular) recess-   138 sealing means-   142 wall (guiding device for piercing device)-   144 sealing projection-   146 opening in main body-   148 section of the main body-   148 a external surface of the section 148-   L longitudinal direction

1. A closure for a plastic container having a receiving region toreceive a mouth section of the container, and having a piercing areawhich is suitable and intended to be pierced and penetrated by apiercing device in a predetermined piercing direction (L), wherein theclosure is of multi-part construction and has a main body which can befastened to a mouth of the container as well as a closure body which isdisposed on this main body and forms the piercing area, wherein the mainbody and the closure body differ at least with regard to theirflexibility in a piercing direction.
 2. The closure according to claim1, wherein the closure has a ducting device which adjoins the piercingarea.
 3. The closure according to claim 2, wherein the ducting devicehas a start section which adjoins the piercing area, as well as an endsection via which the liquid can enter the ducting device, wherein adistance between the start section and the end section can be changed.4. The closure according to claim 2, wherein the ducting device isbendable and/or telescopic and/or pleatable.
 5. The closure according toclaim 1, wherein the main body and the closure body are manufacturedfrom different materials.
 6. The closure according to claim 1, whereinthe main body has a thread.
 7. The closure according to claim 1, whereinthe closure body has an annular positioning segment which bears againstthe main body.
 8. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the mainbody has a first annular projection also extending at least in thepiercing direction (L), and the closure body has a second annularprojection also extending at least in the piercing direction (L),wherein in a state in which the closure body is disposed on the mainbody the first projection and the second projection bear against oneanother.
 9. The closure according to claim 8, wherein the closure bodyhas a third projection also extending at least in the piercingdirection.
 10. The closure according to claim 9, wherein the firstprojection is disposed between the second projection and the thirdprojection.
 11. The closure according to claim 9, wherein the closurehas a lock which in at least one position of the piercing device withrespect to the closure prevents a relative movement of the piercingdevice relative to the closure in a predetermined direction of movement.12. The closure according to claim 11, wherein the lock is constructedon the main body.
 13. The closure according to claim 11, wherein thepiercing area is disposed at least in sections above an external surfaceof the main body.
 14. The closure according to claim 11, wherein themain body has an opening which is suitable and intended for the piercingdevice to pass through, and at least a portion of the closure bodyextends through this opening.
 15. A plastic container having a plasticclosure as claimed in claim 11 disposed thereon, wherein the plasticcontainer is compressible in its longitudinal direction (L) in order bysuch compression to force liquid located in the plastic container out ofthe container.
 16. The closure according to claim 6, wherein the threadis an internal thread.
 17. The closure according to claim 11, whereinthe lock is arranged to prevent movement of the piercing device in adirection counter to the piercing direction.
 18. The closure accordingto claim 1, wherein the closure is formed of plastic.